Foundations of Scientific Research and Psychology Perspectives

Vocabulary flashcards covering key scientific research methods, experimental designs, course policies, and core psychological perspectives based on the lecture transcripts.

Scientific Reality

The principle that scientific facts and reality are determined through hypothesis testing and experimentation, rather than consensus or voting.

Empirical Research

A methodology that tests hypotheses through direct, systematic observation and data collection.

Positive Correlation

A statistical relationship in which two factors move in the same direction, both increasing or both decreasing together.

Negative Correlation

A statistical relationship in which two factors move in opposite directions, where one factor increases as the other decreases.

Correlation Coefficient Range

A numerical scale ranging from $-1.0$ to $+1.0$, where values closer to $-1.0$ or $+1.0$ represent high correlation, and $0$ represents no correlation.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the single variable or treatment being tested, such as vitamin water.

Control Group

The baseline group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental factor, keeping all conditions standard.

Longitudinal Study

A research design that tracks the same group of participants over an extended period, such as $30$ years.

Cross-Sectional Study

A research design that examines different age groups (e.g., ages $13$–$18$, $18$–$20$, $20$–$30$) at a single point in time to observe long-term trajectories without waiting decades.

Temperament

An individual's innate biological behavioral style—such as being an extrovert versus introvert or thinker versus feeler—that remains largely stable from birth.

Journal Article Review

A $4$-paragraph, $1.5$ to $2$-page assignment reviewing a research study retrieved from an academic database.

Room 905

The computer lab located in the tutoring center behind the double doors at the back of the library where research database instruction occurs.

Reading Worksheets

Chapter question assignments submitted on Blackboard prior to a quiz that grant eligibility for any available test curves, such as a $5$-point curve.

Critical Thinking

Higher-level cognitive engagement involving reflection, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis rather than passively accepting information.

Behavioral Approach

A psychological perspective associated with B. F. Skinner that focuses on observable behavior and conditioning.

Psychodynamic Approach

A psychological perspective associated with Sigmund Freud that analyzes early childhood experiences and subconscious factors to explain behavior.

Humanistic Approach

A psychological perspective associated with Carl Rogers that focuses on relationships, care, interaction, and positive motivation.

Cognitive Approach

A psychological perspective centered on internal mental processes, brain mechanisms, and restructuring negative thought patterns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapeutic approach combining cognitive restructuring of thought patterns with behavioral techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises.

Eclectic Approach

A practice in therapy where a clinician integrates techniques from multiple psychological perspectives tailored to the specific client and context.